The Bone Garden

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The Bone Garden[edit | edit source]

Cover of The Bone Garden

The Bone Garden is a historical mystery novel written by Tess Gerritsen. Published in 2007, the novel intertwines a modern-day mystery with a historical narrative set in the 1830s. The book explores themes of medicine, murder, and the early days of surgery in Boston.

Plot Summary[edit | edit source]

The novel begins in the present day with Julia Hamill, a recently divorced woman who discovers a human skull buried in the garden of her new home in Massachusetts. This discovery leads her to investigate the history of the property, uncovering a series of murders that took place in the 19th century.

The historical narrative follows Norris Marshall, a medical student at Harvard Medical School in 1830. As a "resurrectionist," Norris is involved in the illegal trade of cadavers for medical study. When a series of gruesome murders occur, Norris becomes a suspect and must clear his name while uncovering the true identity of the killer.

Characters[edit | edit source]

  • Julia Hamill - The protagonist in the modern-day storyline, who discovers the skull in her garden.
  • Norris Marshall - A medical student in the 1830s, involved in the historical mystery.
  • Rose Connolly - A young Irish immigrant who becomes entangled in the events of the past.
  • Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. - A real historical figure, depicted as a young medical student and friend of Norris.

Themes[edit | edit source]

The Bone Garden explores several themes, including:

  • Medical History - The novel provides a detailed look at the state of medical practice and education in the 19th century, highlighting the challenges faced by early surgeons and the ethical dilemmas of body snatching.
  • Social Class and Immigration - The book examines the lives of immigrants and the working class in 19th-century Boston, focusing on their struggles and contributions to society.
  • Mystery and Suspense - The dual timelines create a complex narrative that keeps readers engaged as they piece together the mystery.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

Template:Tess Gerritsen Template:Novels of Tess Gerritsen

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